A miniature breed of chicken, as little as a quarter the size of a "normal" bird. Can be more flighty, they lay smaller eggs, but may do less damage with their feet.

Bee Dance

The method by which honey bees communicatie direction and distance of a food source. AKA waggle dance

Bee space

A space approx 5/16 of an inch; above or below this the bees would build wax, or glue with propolis

Beeswax

A secretion from the wax glands of the bee's abdomen, very useful for all sorts of things

Bloat

A build up of gas in the rumen of cattle, can be quite serious sometimes leading to suffocation.

Brace comb

Pieces of comb built between frames or other parts of the bee hive

Brood nest

The brood chamber where the queen bee lays her eggs and which the brood occupy

Broody

A bit worrying when you see it in action for the first time, but try to remember its a natural process where a hen is preparing herself for motherhood. A broody refuses to leave her nest, becomes very protective of it to the point of violence, makes an agressive purring or shrieking noise when you try to move her, and will probably pull some feathers off her chest and underside - this lets her body get closer to the eggs and keep them at a more constant temparature. A hen will stay broody for as long as two months and won't lay during this time. She'll stop when she gets bored, or when she hears the pitter patter of tiny beaks...

Bullock

A castrated male (bull)

Cast

A second swarm, with the first virgin queen, to emerge

Cells

Hexagonal components of the honey comb

Cleansing flight

Flights taken by honey bees on mild days of winter or early spring

Colostrum

This is the name for the first milk available for suckling, very important for the newborn as it is rich in antibodies that will help the animal develop it's immune system.

Comb foundation

AKA foundation - sheets of honey-comb embossed wax

Comb, Poultry

The sticky-up, normally red bit on top of a chicken's head.

Dagging

The removal of soiled fleece from between the thighs and around the udders on sheep, prevents infections

Dummy Board

A frame of wood to take the place of a wax frame in the bee hive

Egg-bound

When a chicken is unable to lay an egg that's ready to be laid. A bad thing, which can lead to death. If you don't have a chicken expert handy, head for a good book, or the livestock forum on this site.

Ewe

Female sheep

Extractor

A device for the removal of honey from the frames by the use of centrifugal force